Exploring Central America with my daughter, Hannah, was a truly meaningful experience. It served as a special graduation gift and marked my first visit to a region I’d always wanted to explore. After traveling to Patagonia in 2017, Central America had been on my bucket list, waiting for the perfect moment to be crossed off.
That moment came when I befriended someone from El Salvador during my previous job. Our friendship grew over six months, and El Salvador naturally made its way onto our travel plans. Costa Rica, a long-time dream destination, was an obvious addition to our itinerary. Guatemala, on the other hand, was included due to its proximity to El Salvador, even though we didn’t know much about it at the time.
We planned a two-week trip. We spent 5 nights in San Salvador, 5 nights in Costa Rica, and 4 nights in Guatemala. Although the trip was short, we were excited to explore these amazing countries and experience their unique cultures and landscapes.
Exploring El Salvador, Central America
El Salvador, nestled between Guatemala, Honduras, and the North Pacific Ocean, was the first stop on our journey. As soon as we arrived at the airport, my friend greeted us warmly. With her behind the wheel, we headed to our Airbnb in Antiguo Cuscatlan, which had a stunning view of the city.
During our stay, my friend took us to El Congo-La Laguna, Parque Nacional El Boqueron, and Tamanique-El Palmar. We also had the pleasure of meeting her boyfriend, who added extra fun to our adventures. However, I suffered severe motion sickness during a hiking tour to Volcan de Santa Ana and ended up needing emergency care for a few days. Thankfully, with the support of our friends, I recovered just in time for our next destination, Costa Rica.
Although we didn’t have much time to explore on foot, Antiguo’s modern infrastructure and lively malls made a strong impression. What stood out the most was the kindness of the locals, which made our visit even more memorable.
The highlight of our trip was definitely reconnecting with our friends, which was the main goal of the journey. We also had the chance to try Pupusas, a traditional dish in El Salvador made of corn pancakes filled with cheese or meat.
Fortunately, I was able to find some delicious vegetarian versions with a bean filling. These were a must-try and added to the charm of our time in El Salvador. Our five days went by quickly, and I can’t wait to return and explore more of this beautiful country in Central America.
Traveling to Costa Rica
Our next stop in Central America was exploring Grecia, a small town in Costa Rica, located about 29 km from San Jose Airport. We stayed at La Terraza Guest House, a cozy B&B we found on Booking.com, owned by an American. It offered delicious breakfasts and set high expectations for the rest of our Costa Rican adventures.
Costa Rica offered plenty of opportunities to explore rainforests and visit coffee plantations. We also had the chance to see animals at the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre near Grecia. For animal lovers, this was a real highlight.
We learned about Kivu, one of the rescued animals. He was a lion who spent 18 years in a small cage before finding freedom at the center. Sadly, he passed away five months later, but his story left a powerful reminder of how some animals suffer. The tour was an emotional and educational experience.
Next, we traveled to La Fortuna, a popular tourist city about two hours from Grecia. While the area was beautiful, the touristy atmosphere and high prices were a bit disappointing.
Despite this, we had the opportunity to explore the stunning waterfalls in Arenal Volcano National Park and Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio. However, overall, Costa Rica ended up being my least favorite of the three countries we visited.
Exploring Antigua, Guatemala
Our final stop on our journey was exploring Guatemala, a beautiful country in Central America. As soon as we landed, we took an Uber to our hostel in Antigua, which was about a 45-minute drive away. Our young driver made a great impression, and we quickly fell in love with the country’s charm.
We stayed at Selina Antigua, a hostel we booked through the HostelWorld app, and it exceeded our expectations. They served amazing made-to-order breakfasts, and the staff was friendly. Our four-night stay, including breakfast, cost us just $182.97 for both of us.
Antigua, with its cobblestone streets and old buildings turned into hostels, shops, and restaurants, had a unique charm despite its touristy feel. One of the highlights of our trip was hiking to Pacaya Active Volcano. We arranged the hike through our hostel for just $15 per person, plus a $12 entrance fee. The experience was unforgettable—roasting marshmallows on the volcano and watching a stunning sunset over volcanic ashes made it a true adventure.
Unexpectedly, Guatemala became our favorite destination. Its cooler climate in January made it the ideal time to visit. Whether you’re on a budget or not, Guatemala is truly a must-visit.
Exploring Central America with My Daughter
Exploring Central America with my daughter was an unforgettable experience. From the vibrant culture of El Salvador to the natural beauty of Costa Rica and the charm of Guatemala, each country offered something unique. We enjoyed beautiful landscapes, learned about local traditions, and made lasting memories.
This trip allowed us to bond while discovering new places and embracing the adventures that came our way. If you’re considering traveling in Central America, it’s definitely worth it—whether you’re looking for stunning nature, rich history, or simply a change of scenery. Exploring Central America truly opened our eyes to the beauty and diversity of this part of the world.
Be sure to check out my post about my second mother-daughter trip to Antigua, Guatemala, with my daughter Ally!
